Teagasc Runs National Farm Safety Events
Issued 29 October, 2002
Mellows College, Athenry and Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny are the venues for two Teagasc farm safety events on Tuesday 5th and Thursday 7th November.
Sponsored by FBD Insurance, they will bring together expertise from Teagasc, the Health and Safety Authority, health boards and insurance companies in mounting demonstrations and imparting expert advice on all aspects of farm safety.
,Frank Laffey, National Health and Safety Specialist with Teagasc and Chairman of the recently formed Farm Safety Action Group, said the aim is to encourage and challenge farmers to improve safety practices.
"Last year, 24 people died and a further 3,600 were injured in farm accidents. If these events result in the prevention of death, injury and anguish on even one farm, they will be well worthwhile," he said.
"A farm safety action plan rarely costs money. It is a question of effort, commitment and discipline to bring safety to the forefront on a daily basis. Farmers and their spouses attending these events will be given critical help in developing and maintaining a safety mindset," he added.
In addition to safety practices with machinery, livestock, slurry and chemicals, they will also focus on proper lifting practices. Permanent injury and disability resulting from poor lifting practices is widespread in every parish in the country.
Both events will also feature a training course on tractor driving skills for 14-16 year olds and also a specialised course on handling ATVs. The first results of a major national study by Teagasc on farm safety will also be published.
The event at Athenry on Tuesday 5th November will be opened by Frank Fahey, Minister for Labour Affairs. Both events run from 11am to 4pm.
